Overview
You can start litter training your kitten at around four weeks old, when they begin to wean, start toileting independently, and exploring more. This is a good time to introduce the litter tray gently and encourage regular use. Many kittens get the hang of it in just a few days, while others might take a little longer — especially if they haven’t learned by watching their mum.
Litter training works best when it’s calm, consistent, and positive. Look out for signs your kitten needs to go, make sure they can always reach a clean tray, and never punish accidents. Keep things simple and stress-free — that’s how to litter train a kitten best. This guide will help you build good habits from the start.
Supplies for kitten toilet training
Before you get started, it helps to have the right setup to make litter training easier for you and your kitten:
Low-sided litter tray: low sides mean small kittens can climb in and out more easily. Make sure it’s big enough for them to turn around comfortably.
Fine-grain litter: soft and unscented is best. It’s gentle on little paws and usually the easiest for them to get used to.
Scoop and bin: these are for keeping things clean with a quick tidy every day.
Treats: a little reward after a successful toilet trip can help your kitten pick up good habits.
Enzymatic cleaner: great for safely clearing up accidents and removing any lingering smells.
Pet-safe disinfectant: stick to products without strong chemicals. Avoid anything that clouds in water, as it could be harmful to cats.
Litter mat (optional): handy for catching loose litter and keeping the area around the tray tidier.
How to toilet train your kitten: the key steps
You might spot signs that they need the toilet just after your kitten's mealtime, naptime, or playtime. Look out for signs like sniffing, scratching, circling, or crouching — these usually mean it’s toilet time. When you spot them, gently place your kitten in the tray. It helps them link the tray with what it’s for.
Show them where to go
As soon as you bring your new kitten home, show them the litter tray. Let them sniff around and get used to it. This helps them know it’s theirs. Try to keep it in a quiet, easy-to-reach spot — and always away from their food, water, and bed. If you have multiple cats, you’ll also need multiple litter trays — the general rule is to have one more tray than you have cats, to prevent competition for access.
Give them time
Your kitten might need a few minutes to settle in the tray. Let them have a sniff and explore without any pressure. If they don’t go straight away, that’s okay — just try again a little later.
Reward success
When they do use the tray, give them a reward — a small treat or some gentle praise works well. It helps them build a positive link with the behaviour and encourages them to do it again.
Guide them when needed
In the early days, keep a close eye on your kitten. If it looks like they’re about to go in the wrong spot, gently move them to the tray. To make things easier, try keeping them in one room to begin with — it helps cut down on accidents.
Learning your kitten’s toilet signals
Most kittens give off clear signs when they’re about to go. While every kitten is different, some common ones to watch for include:
Sniffing the floor
Being unsettled or fidgetty
Scratching or pawing at a surface
Crouching in place
Suddenly going still and focused
If you spot any of these, gently take them to their litter tray.
Read more: How to stop your kitten peeing outside their litter tray
How often should my kitten go to the toilet?
Young kittens have tiny bladders and not much control at first, so they’ll need to go often. Rather than setting strict times, try to follow their natural rhythm and guide them to the tray when it makes sense. You’ll often notice they need to go after they’ve:
Woken from a nap
10-20 minutes after they have finished eating or drinking
Had a burst of energetic play
These moments often trigger the need to go, so placing your kitten in the tray at the right time can really help. Once they’ve started to get the hang of it, you won’t need to physically take them there — just be sure they can access it when they need to go.
Handling kitten toilet training accidents
Accidents are a normal part of litter training. If your kitten has a mishap, clean it up straight away with a pet-safe enzymatic cleaner. This helps get rid of lingering smells which can confuse your kitten and make them think they should toilet in the same incorrect spot again.
Never punish them for an accident. It won’t help and could make them anxious or nervous about going near you. If you catch them mid-flow, calmly pop them in the tray. If you don’t, just clean up and try to keep a closer eye next time. Accidents aren’t bad behaviour — they’re just part of learning.
Night time toilet training for kittens
Make sure they can reach a clean litter tray overnight — ideally in the same room or just nearby, so it’s easy to find. Keep the space quiet, dimly lit and free from distractions. Before bedtime, guide them to the tray after they’ve eaten or had their last play. It can help prompt one final trip before they settle down.
If you’ve litter trained a puppy before, you might be expecting nights to be a bit of a hassle. Thankfully, this isn’t the case for kittens. As long as their tray is close by and easy to access, they’ll use it when they need to — you won’t need to set an alarm to help them out in the early hours.
What to do if your kitten regresses
If it seemed like you’d mastered how to litter train a kitten but now they’ve started having more accidents, don’t worry. This isn't unusual, and often it just means they need a little extra help.
Go back to basics: check the tray is easy to reach, in a quiet spot, and clean. Cleanliness is important — cats can be very fussy about where they toilet and a dirty tray is likely to be very off-putting and is a common cause of tray avoidance.
Be consistent: guide them there after meals, naps, and play. Keep up with the gentle praise when they get it right. Sticking to regular feeding times can help you spot when they’re likely to go. And remember, lingering smells can cause repeat accidents, so clean any accidents up with your pet-safe enzymatic cleaner.
Sometimes a step backwards can be triggered by changes at home, stress, or even an underlying health issue. If your kitten seems poorly, tired, or struggling to get back into their good habits, it’s worth having a quick chat with your vet. With a bit of patience and a steady routine, most kittens find their feet again in no time.
Helping nervous kittens feel safe
Some kittens and cats are more anxious than others, and yours may be a bit unsure about using their litter tray — especially if they’re feeling nervous or overwhelmed. This can happen in a busy home, during a big change, or when they’re settling into somewhere new.
To help them feel safe, place their tray in a quiet spot where they won’t be disturbed or too near people walking through. You can always try a second litter tray in an alternative place if you’re not sure if the location is suiting your kitten. Avoid noisy areas or spaces near loud appliances. Careful handling, quiet spaces, and gentle, soft-spoken praise when they’ve done well can go a long way in helping your kitten feel more confident and secure.
What’s the best litter for kittens?
Choosing the right litter helps set your kitten up for success. Not all products marketed for cats are safe for kittens, so it’s worth taking a moment to check what’s best.
Avoid clumping litter: it might make scooping easier, but if swallowed, clumping litter can cause serious problems. Kittens like to explore with their mouths, so it’s safest to steer clear. Clumping litter is fine for adult cats with no history of eating their litter.
Go unscented and gentle: strong smells or chemical additives can irritate your kitten’s delicate skin and risk putting them off from using the tray. Stick to natural, fragrance-free options instead.
Pick a kitten-safe option: many pet shops stock litters specially labelled for kittens. Soft, fine-grain textures are usually best — they’re gentle on tiny paws.
See how your kitten reacts to their litter. Every cat is different, and some can be very fussy. If your kitten avoids the tray, it might be worth trying a different type of litter. If you do need to make a switch, make it slowly. Introduce new types of litter by gradually mixing it in over a few days. It’ll help your kitten adjust without stress.
Choosing the right litter box and keeping it clean
Picking the right tray — and keeping it clean — is just as important as choosing the right litter.
Start small: go for a low-sided tray that’s easy to step into. As they grow, you can move to a bigger tray with plenty of room for your kitten to turn and dig.
Keep it open: most kittens prefer open trays. Covered ones can trap smells and feel a bit too enclosed.
Provide enough trays: remember — get one tray per cat in your household, plus one extra. In larger homes, spread them across different floors so they’re always within easy reach.
Scoop daily: remove used litter once or twice a day. Most kittens will avoid a tray if it’s too dirty.
Clean weekly: give the tray a proper clean once a week using warm water and a pet-safe detergent. Steer clear of harsh chemicals, which can be harmful.
Replace yearly: trays don’t last forever. Over time they can hold onto odours and develop scratches where bacteria can build up, so aim to get new ones each year.
Keeping the litter tray clean and well-placed helps your kitten feel confident, safe and comfortable every time they go.
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Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 02/01/2019 • Reviewed on 14/05/2025